Get a VSO pin badge to show the world you stand with girls who are left behind.
Girls born into poor families in Kenya are robbed of their futures. They are pulled out of school, forced into child marriage and trapped in a cycle of poverty and abuse.
It’s not right. But it CAN change.
VSO is helping girls take control of their futures. Equipped with VSO-provided learning materials and hygiene kits, girls attend VSO learning centres where they learn the skills they need to break the cycle of poverty.
But there are thousands of girls we still need to urgently reach. Donate now to leave no girl behind and receive a special VSO pin badge. Wear it proudly to show you stand with girls and believe every girl deserves a better future.
Help girls in Kenya who are being robbed of their futures
In rural Kenya, girls living in extreme poverty are forced out of school and into early marriage. They are expected to have children while they are still children themselves. Sadly, many often find themselves trapped in violent marriages.
Consolata* was only 14 when she was forced to drop out of school. She knew education was vital in helping build a better life, but her family couldn't afford the school fees. In their eyes, it was time to drop out of school and get married to provide the dowry they desperately needed. She was married at 16 and got pregnant soon after. Sadly, she was widowed just before her daughter was born. Suddenly, she was all alone with no way to support and feed her baby.
Attending VSO’s learning centres has been a lifeline for Consolata.
The centres are open three days a week to girls aged 10-19 and VSO teachers help them catch up on their learning. Here, Consolata is learning vital skills like multiplication, subtraction and addition.
Each girl is also paired with a VSO mentor who helps them navigate challenges at home and supports and encourages them with their studies. These mentors are local women who have often had similar experiences to the girls and understand the dangers of early marriage and a lack of education.
Her VSO mentor, Maliki is a vital source of support and inspiration.
Her VSO mentor, Maliki, supports Consolata every step of the way, often looking after her daughter so she can focus on her studies.
ConsolataI feel good now because I am remembering what I had forgotten, and I know education will help me have a brighter future. I’m happy because the things I do at the centre will help me in the future. One day I hope I will become a hairdresser.
Donate today and get a VSO pin badge
Donate today and as a thank you, we'll send you a VSO pin badge so you can show your support for girls being forced out of school. We hope you wear this badge with pride and show the world you are a changemaker.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for your badge to arrive.
To help answer any questions about the pin badges, please click here.
Donate now and get your pin badge
Please donate today and help make sure no girl is left behind. Every penny makes a difference.
*Pseudonyms have been used to protect identities.
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